The flirty school run mums

Madonna with daugther Lourdes: sure to cause a stir in the playground

School playgrounds are a hotbed of flirting, envy and emotion - and that is just among the school run mothers as they drop off and pick up their children each day.

While the event means little to the young, parents can feel pressurised to look their best, drive a smart car and compete in terms of extra-curricular activities for their children.

Some mothers wear their best clothes and full make-up to keep up with other parents. Others dress to flirt with fathers or teachers.

Parents revealed the secrets behind the early morning smiles in a survey out today which lifts the lid on life at London's school gates. The research, commissioned by car manufacturer Vauxhall, found the capital's mothers felt more pressure to take part in after-school activities than elsewhere in the country, with 24 per cent feeling obliged to get involved.

Nearly one in 10 mothers dressed " immaculately" to drop off their children, while 13 per cent accused fellow parents of caring more about fashion than about their young.

The early morning dash out of the door leaves seven per cent of mothers out of time to serve breakfast and eight per cent of mothers admit sometimes to driving their children to school in their pyjamas. Of London parents, 14 per cent said they count the hours until they pick them up again, compared with five per cent in Yorkshire.

Researchers identified four types of mothers: Scatty Sandra, always in a rush, Flirty Fiona, the playground socialite, Serious Sue, determined always to get the best for her children, and imageconscious and businesslike Pushy Pauline.

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